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I can’t wait to introduce you to today’s podcast biography subject: Katharina Luther. Her husband, Martin Luther, is one of the most famous men of church history. There are books and books written about his life, but his wife is written about much less often. However, she was incredibly important to the Reformation as well. So, in today’s episode you will hear plenty about Martin Luther (believe me, he is definitely a fascinating character), but we are really going to dive into the life of his nun-turned-wife, Katharina. Her faith and bravery are inspiring.
Katharina was important because the Reformation Movement may have looked very different were it not for Luther’s marriage to her. She and her husband are perhaps the most famous couple of Christian history. Katharina’s relationship with her husband helped him live out his theology and learn how to love. She was a bold woman who came from hard places and continued to have difficult circumstances her whole life: abandoned as a child, ostracized by the church and gossiped about, living through the death of two children, and then widowed as a young woman. She raised a family and held a property together at a time when women were not respected or left in charge. Still, through life’s adversity, Katharina’s bold faith sustained her.
Today’s biography episode came from the following resources:
- The National Geographic article – How a Runaway Nun Helped an Outlaw Monk Change the World by Andrew Curry
- The podcast: Stuff You Missed in History Class – The episode titled 3 Reformation Women
- The book: 50 Women Every Christian Should Know, by Michelle DeRusha
- The book: Katharina and Martin Luther: The Radical Marriage of a Runaway Nun and and a Renegade Monk, by Michelle DeRusha
I am encouraged by Katharina’s story, and I hope you are too. What stands out to you about her life and her faith? I’d love to hear about it! Drop a comment under today’s show notes or join the conversation on PRN’s Facebook page.
May you be encouraged on your journey with Jesus.
Pause, Renew, Next!